Real & Raw Canada Life

01/04/2026

Swayman will start in net for Boston on Saturday in Vancouver

VANCOUVER –– Fraser Minten grew up along the Vancouver Seawall, playing ball hockey on the cement court under the bridge a couple of hundred yards from Rogers Arena.

On Saturday, the 21-year-old forward will skate at the Canucks’ home rink for the first time in his NHL career. Minten – whose childhood apartment is a short walk away from where the puck will drop at 10 p.m ET – will have between 50 and 100 people in attendance to watch him in the Black & Gold, he said.

“Just felt like a normal skate this morning, but probably will feel a little different come game time tonight,” Minten said. “[My friends and family] are very excited. They’ve been talking about it for a few days now – well, a few months. Since I’ve been here, they’ve been all over talking about it, so I’m sure they’re all really excited.”​

Minten is in his first full season with the Bruins after getting traded from Toronto to Boston in March. He is centering the third line between Marat Khusnutdinov and David Pastrnak, and has 15 points (six goals, nine assists) through 41 games.

​“He’s already a very mature kid. Very professional,” head coach Marco Sturm said. “Feels like he has already been around for at least 10 years. Takes care of his body already. He’s already a leader, I would say, in his own way. I am very impressed with him.”

​Saturday is the second of two regular-season meetings between the teams. Boston fell 5-4 in a shootout to the Canucks at TD Garden on Dec. 20. The Bruins are looking to build some momentum off their 6-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers as their five-game road trip continues in Vancouver.

“It’s a young group now against the trade. I think they just go out there and work hard. You could see it even yesterday – they don’t quit,” Sturm said of the Canucks. “We’ve just got to make sure we focus on our game. We only won one game so far, so we want to grab the next one tonight with a good, solid Bruins effort.”

Wait, There’s More

Jeremy Swayman will start in net for Boston. The goaltender last played on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, making 34 saves in the win. Swayman has a 2.84 goals against average and a .904 save percentage through 28 games.
Elias Lindholm posted two points (one goal, one assist) on Wednesday in Edmonton; it was the forward’s seventh multi-point game of the year. Lindholm remains on the first line with Alex Steeves and Morgan Geekie. He also played 26 games for the Canucks in the 2023-24 season before signing in Boston.
Charlie McAvoy has three points in his last five games, including an assist on Wednesday. He is skating on the first pair with Nikita Zadorov, and averaging 23:59 of ice time per night. The 28-year-old defenseman has a total of 20 points (one goal, 19 assists) through 29 games.
Opposing View

The Canucks are playing in the second game of a back-to-back; they fell 4-3 to the Seattle Kraken in a shootout on Friday. Kiefer Sherwood, former Bruin Jake DeBrusk and Linus Karlsson scored in the loss. Goaltender Thatcher Demko made 25 saves on 28 shots.
Elias Pettersson leads Vancouver with 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) through 32 games. The 27-year-old forward has been centering the first line between DeBrusk and Karlsson. Sherwood has the most goals for the Canucks with 17; he is on the third line with Drew O’Connor and David Kampf.
Tom Willander enters Saturday’s matchup on a three-game point streak. The 20-year-old defenseman is in his first season with the Canucks after getting picked 11th overall by the organization in the 2023 NHL Draft; Willander spent two seasons at Boston University before turning pro. He is on the third pair with Pierre-Olivier Joseph, and has 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) through 30 games.

01/02/2026

Travel disruption expected as ice and snow grip UK

Amber severe weather warnings for snow and several yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office for areas around the UK on Friday.

While the most severe conditions will be seen in Scotland, all of the UK's nations will be affected with travel disruption expected.

With lower temperatures, amber cold health alerts from the UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cover the whole of England.

The amber warning for snow comes into effect for parts of Scotland at midday on Friday and could result in vehicles being stranded, rural communities being cut off, and rail and air cancellations.

Areas affected by the warning include Angus, Perth and Kinross, Grampian, Aberdeenshire, Moray and parts of the Highlands.

Snow showers will become more frequent during the day. Accumulations of 10-20cm are likely at low levels with 30-40cm possible on high ground with some drifting and blizzards.

The Met Office has urged people to plan routes carefully and to pack essentials in your car in the event of delays. Key items to bring include warm clothing, water, a blanket and ice-scraper.

The amber warnings in Scotland are currently due to be in effect until midday on Saturday.

Ch Supt Scott McCarren, Police Scotland's head of road policing, said: "Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve."

Yellow warnings for snow and ice came into force for large parts of England, Northern Ireland and Wales at midnight on Thursday, remaining until midday on Friday in England and Wales, and 10:00 GMT in Northern Ireland.

As much as 5cm of snow is possible in a few areas, including the higher ground of north Wales, north-west England and the north-west Midlands, the Met Office added.

Amber cold health alerts from the UKHSA for the whole of England will be in place until 12:00 on 6 January.

The alerts warn of a rise in deaths particularly among elderly and vulnerable people.

Other consequences of cold weather include temperatures inside hospitals and care homes dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks, and challenges for people keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C, according to the UKHSA.

01/02/2026

01/02/2026

Tommy Lee Jones Daughter
Found Dead at San Francisco Hotel

Tommy Lee Jones' daughter, Victoria, was found dead at a California hotel on New Year's Day ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us Victoria was discovered inside the swanky Fairmont San Francisco early Thursday morning.

A spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department tells TMZ ... SFFD units responded to the hotel for a reported medical emergency at 2:52 AM. Upon arrival, paramedics conducted an assessment and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

We're told the scene was turned over to the San Francisco Police Department and the Medical Examiner's Office for further investigation.

A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department tells TMZ ... at approximately 3:14 AM, their officers responded to the hotel regarding a report of a deceased person. At the scene, officers met with paramedics, who declared the adult female deceased.

The Medical Examiner arrived on scene and conducted an investigation. At this time, the cause of death remains unknown, and officials have not released additional details.

We reached out to a rep for Jones ... so far, no word back.

Victoria was born to Tommy and his first wife, Kimberlea Cloughley.

She briefly followed in her father's footsteps, making her acting debut in 2002's Men in Black II before she was a teenager. She later appeared in 2003's One Tree Hill and in 2005's The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, a film directed by her father that also involved her stepmother, Dawn Laurel-Jones, who served as the stills photographer.

Victoria was 34.

12/31/2025

Gaza humanitarian deterioration of serious concern, say UK, Canada, France and others

LONDON, Dec 30 (Reuters) - The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened again and is of serious concern, Britain, Canada, France and others said in a joint statement on Tuesday that also called on Israel to take urgent action.
The statement, published online by the British Foreign Office, said Israel should allow non-governmental organisations to work in Israel in a sustained and predictable way, and ensure the U.N. could continue its work in the Palestinian enclave.

"(We) express serious concerns about the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza which remains catastrophic," read the statement from the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
It also said Israel should lift what it called "unreasonable restrictions" on certain imports including medical and shelter equipment, and open border crossings to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October after two years of intense Israeli bombardment and military operations in Gaza that followed a deadly attack by Hamas-led fighters on Israeli communities in October 2023.
Israel's foreign ministry called the joint statement "false but unsurprising" and "part of a recurring pattern of detached criticism and one-sided demands on Israel, while deliberately ignoring the essential requirement of disarming Hamas."
"The statement blatantly ignores the significant improvement in the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire came into effect," the ministry said in a statement posted on X.
A global hunger monitor said on December 19 that there was no longer famine in Gaza after access for humanitarian and commercial food deliveries improved following the ceasefire.
But humanitarian agencies say far more aid needs to get into the small, crowded territory and that Israel is blocking needed items from entering. Israel says more than enough food gets in and that the problems are with distribution within Gaza.

12/27/2025

Canada, Canada tied after second period of World Junior opener

Czechia scored a pair of unanswered goals to take the lead but Zayne Parekh scored late in the frame as Canada and Czechia head to the third period tied 3-3 in the World Junior Championship opener.

Canada held a 2-1 lead after one, but goals from Vojtech Cihar and Petr Sikora gave Czechia the lead midway through the period.

Czechia evened the score four minutes into the second frame. On a delayed penalty to Canada, Cihar tipped a pass for Adam Benak over the shoulder of Carter George for the equalizer. It was Benak’s second assist of the game.

Canada went to the power play for the second time in the game shortly after Cihar’s goal, when Matyas Man was sent to the box for hooking Michael Hage. Canada mustered one shot with their second opportunity with the man advantage.

Sikora gave the Czechs their first lead of the game at 12:13 of the second frame. Off a Canadian defensive breakdown, Sikora found himself wide open in the slot and fired home a one-timer off a touch pass from Cihar.

Parekh, a first-round pick of the Calgary Flames, gave Canada a spark with a wrist shot from the point that found its way through traffic and past Michal Orsulak for his first of the tournament.

Canada got a pair of first-period goals from Michael Hage and Brady Martin, while Tomas Poletin opened the scoring for Czechia.

George has stopped 19 of 22 shots for Canada through two periods, while Orsulak has made 13 saves on 16 shots.

12/26/2025

Travel Chaos: Storm Bella Grounds Thousands on Boxing Day – What You Need to Know
NATIONAL WEATHER DESK – December 26, 2025

A massive winter system, dubbed "Storm Bella," has brought post-Christmas travel to a standstill. Major hubs, including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, have reported hundreds of cancellations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in terminals on Boxing Day.

Airlines are struggling to de-ice planes fast enough to keep up with the relentless snowfall, and authorities are urging patience. However, if you are one of the thousands stuck at an airport today, knowing your rights and options is crucial.

⚠️ Traveler's Survival Guide: What to Do If You Are Stranded

Don't Just Stand in Line: If your flight is cancelled, get in the customer service line, but also call the airline and use their mobile app simultaneously. You might reach an agent over the phone or rebook via the app faster than waiting at the counter.

Know Your Rights: Under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations, if a cancellation is within the airline's control (e.g., crew scheduling issues, not weather), you may be entitled to compensation and food vouchers. Check the CTA website for details.

Keep Your Receipts: If you are forced to book a hotel or buy meals, keep every receipt. While weather delays are often not reimbursed, having a paper trail is essential for travel insurance claims.

Safety First: If you are thinking of driving instead of flying, check The Weather Network first. Highway conditions are treacherous in many provinces. It is better to arrive late than not at all.

Stay safe, Canada.

12/26/2025

Boxing Day Blues: Inflation and Weak Dollar Curb Canadian Spending Habits
TORONTO, ON – December 26, 2025

For decades, Boxing Day has been the undisputed champion of the Canadian retail calendar, with shoppers camping out overnight for door-crasher deals. However, this year paints a starkly different picture. Malls across the country are reporting significantly lower foot traffic as Canadians tighten their belts amidst a challenging economic landscape.

With the recent dip in the Canadian dollar and the rising cost of living, many families are prioritizing essentials like groceries and rent over electronics and fashion. Retail analysts suggest that the "fear of spending" has replaced the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) this holiday season.

"We came to look, but we aren't buying much," shared a shopper at the Eaton Centre. "With prices the way they are, we have to be careful."

While parking lots may be less chaotic than usual, the spirit of the season remains. Many Canadians are opting for modest celebrations at home, proving that while the economy may be slowing down, the value of family time remains high.
(This is open for your discussion. What are your thoughts...🙂)

12/23/2025

A Defining Moment for Canada: Alberta Officially Approved for Independence Referendum
EDMONTON, ALBERTA – December 2025

In a historic decision that has sent shockwaves through Canadian politics, provincial election authorities in Alberta have officially sanctioned a referendum on separation from Canada. The approval marks the culmination of years of rising "Western Alienation" and sets the stage for the most significant constitutional crisis in the nation's modern history.

The movement, often referred to as "Wexit" (Western Exit), has gained substantial momentum over the past decade. Grievances center on federal economic policies, particularly equalization payments which many Albertans feel unfairly drain their provincial coffers, federal carbon taxation, and perceived hostility from Ottawa towards the province’s vital energy sector.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated at a press conference that the approval is a victory for democracy. "For too long, Alberta’s voice has been ignored, and our wealth taken for granted by a federal system that does not serve our interests. Now, the people will finally have their say on their own destiny."

The question expected to appear on the ballot in the coming months will likely ask Albertans directly if they wish for the province to become a sovereign, independent nation.

The reaction from Ottawa was swift. The Prime Minister’s office issued a statement calling for unity, warning of the severe economic and social disruption that separation would cause for both Alberta and the rest of Canada. Economists predict massive uncertainty in the markets as the campaign period begins, with concerns over currency, trade agreements, and national debt sharing taking center stage.

As protests—both for and against unity—begin to gather outside the Legislature in Edmonton, one thing is clear: the map of North America may be on the verge of a permanent redraw. (This is open for your discussion. What are your thoughts...🙂)